CATEGORY 7 – Category 7

The highly anticipated album by Category 7 is finally out, and it was more than worth the wait. When drummer Jason Bittner (Overkill, Shadows Fall) got together with his friends Phil Demmel (Kerry King, ex-Overkill (live), ex-Slayer (live), ex-Testament) and Mike Orlando (Her Chariot Awaits, Mike Orlando, Sonic Universe) one night, they jokingly said “let’s make a band”. Well, the good news is, it’s no joke. They made it happen, recruiting bassist Jack Gibson (Exodus, Metal Allegiance), and the man himself; John Bush of Armored Saint to front the band.

Straight Up In Your Face Heavy Metal

“The sound of this band really comes down to the odd connection that all of us have,” adds drummer Jason Bittner. “We’ve known each other for years as friends and peers. And we’ve all looked up to each other and know that one day we’d have to work together. It’s taken almost two decades for that to happen, but lo-and-behold, once it did there was no stopping us.”

The twin guitar attack of Orlando and Demmel is powerful, reminding us of Heavy Metal from a different era, before there were 100 sub-categories for the genre. “It’s all about big verses and big songs, and it has a lot of the elements we’ve explored in our other bands,” notes guitarist and main songwriter Mike Orlando.

Having the instantly recognizable voice of John Bush puts the project over the top, John Bush talks about the track “Apple of Discord”:

“More social commentary. I marvel at how people are willing to make dumb decisions based on others. “Apple Of Discord” questions these strange solidarities. Are you really willing to go down with them? The second verse plays on the willingness to go into the Hoosegow as a result of those choices. Hardheadedness and machismo rounds out the chorus lyrics. With, of course, always a sarcastic wink and a smile.”

Final Notes

If you ever wondered what it would be like if you took some of the top Heavy Metal musicians in the world, and put them into a new band; Category 7 is your answer. The music is hard-hitting, having huge vocals by Bush, and an incredible rhythm section of Bittner and Gibson that lays the perfect foundation for the duel guitars of Orlando and Demmel. All of the tracks on the album are great, with the opener “In Stitches” leading the way. There’s a new band in town, and they’re taking it by storm: Category 7!

Lineup

• John Bush – vocals
• Phil Demmel – guitar
• Mike Orlando – guitar
• Jack Gibson – bass
• Jason Bittner – drums

Category 7 – Tracklist

1. In Stitches
2. Land I Used to Love
3. Apple of Discord
4. Exhausted
5. Runaway Truck
6. White Flags and Bayonets
7. Mousetrap
8. Waver at the Breaking Point
9. Through Pink Eyes
10. Etter Stormen

Check out the new video for “In Stiches” by Category 7 off of their debut self-titled album.